LG Incite Hits AT&T for $199

The first LG smartphone ever to hit the United States market is the LG Incite. It launched today on AT&T for $199, a pricepoint that puts it head to head with Apple’s iPhone. Can it hold its own? Here are some of the stats it’s packing:

So to WinMo or not to WinMo… that is the question. And while there is an endless sea of anti-WinMo supporters, the platform has its merits, too.

So who here will be gobbling this bad boy up for $199 to show off at Thanksgiving dinner?

[Via ATT]

BlackBerry Storm Hands-On Video Review

Here we’ve got one of the first in-depth 3rd party BlackBerry Storm review videos and we get a little tour of the hardware and brief overview of the software - a well done job indeed. HOWEVER, you’ll hear a pretty annoying interference noise at random parts of the video. That is the video and NOT your computer… took me awhile to figure that out so I thought I’d save you the trouble.

The BlackBerry Storm was spotted months and months ago and is finally rumbling into town. Can you believe that it will finally be available later THIS WEEK? Incredible…

Moto VE66 Comes, with $200K MotoWidget Contest

Motorola has just announced the “MOTODEV Widget Developer Challenge” with $200,000 in prizes for developers who come up with intriguing ways to bring, “targeted, real-time data to mobile users”. The purpose of these widgets? “Whether delivering sports scores, stock tickers, or flight information, widgets represent a more efficient way for mobile users to access the mobile web”

The contest announcement came with the announcement of the Moto VE66, the very first Motorola handset to work in this widgetized framework. And the Moto VE66 isn’t a slouch of a phone either… it can hold its own and it all starts with a 5MP Camera.

And while the Camera is nice the widgets are the headliner of this here show. Motorola will inevitably include a number of default widgets for consumer use but how many 3rd party devs will hop on this train? With lots of money to be made with the iPhone and a 2nd Android Developers Challenge quickly approaching, will the Moto Dev Contest lure many developers?

Well, I suppose one of its draws is the fact that the competition probably won’t be as steep. Below are the 2 Press Releases for the Moto VE66 and MotoDev Contest:

Picture This: Motorola Announces MOTO VE66, Delivering Crystal Clear Calls, Brilliant Images and Pin-Sharp Music

MOTO VE66 sports audio-enhancing CrystalTalk™ technology and the first widget integration on a Motorola mobile device

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Nov. 18, 2008 – today announced the arrival of MOTO VE66 with enhanced CrystalTalk™ audio technology, a 5-megapixel camera and MP3 player-like navigation for a 1-2-3 punch of great call quality, sharp pictures and an enjoyable music experience. The sleek, slider device also boasts the first widgets integration on a Motorola mobile device, which means you receive easier, more seamless access to what matters most – whether you crave sports scores, stock tickers or RSS feeds from your favorite blogs.

“The MOTO VE66 delivers on consumer’s demand for more personalized listening and imaging experiences on a mobile phone,” said Tracey Koziol, corporate vice president, Mobile Devices, Motorola. “With a diverse multi-media experience, the VE66 truly enables you to make a statement and express yourself on your terms.”

Hear and Be Heard
MOTO VE66 amplifies your conversations and helps reduce background noise with enhanced CrystalTalk technology, so virtually nothing comes between you and your calls. From more superior voice quality to personalized noise adaptation, CrystalTalk makes a noticeable difference in the clarity and intelligibility of conversations while in a noisy environment. VE66 further enhances the audio quality with the addition of a second microphone, which helps eliminate more ambient background noise from the call.

Click and Capture Like a Pro
MOTO VE66 captures crisp and clear images with ease, bringing out the inner photographer in everyone. The VE66 contains a number of features that you might expect to find on a dedicated digital camera. Pressing a dedicated camera key, the VE66 will quickly auto focus, activate an LED flash, if necessary, stabilize the image and reduce red eye – all to help to ensure that shots are of the highest print quality. Automatic color saturation delivers whiter whites, crisper blacks and colors true to life. Use the device’s landscape feature to view photos on the brilliant color display as desired.

Quickly Connect to Your Music and Web Updates
MOTO VE66 takes you where you want to go with the FastScroll™ one-touch navigation wheel which allows you to breeze through menus and content with speed and accuracy. And that’s not all that’s fast. The MP3 player with USB 2.0 enables high-speed access to data and downloads on your PC while the Wi-Fi connectivity makes browsing the Internet or sharing photos, audio or video files with friends a cinch1. And with integrated FM radio with RDS2 – to help you “name that tune” – you can discover new music while you’re in motion.

Get access to real-time information such as weather, sports scores, stock tickers, flight information, social media and news headlines with pre-loaded and downloadable1 widgets on MOTO VE66, the first widget integration on a Motorola phone.

And the contest?

Calling All Developers: Motorola Announces the MOTODEV Widget Developer Challenge

Open to all Web and Mobile Developers worldwide; Opportunity to win up to $200,000 in prizes and gain global exposure

SUNNYVALE, Calif. – November 18, 2008 – Motorola today announced the launch of the MOTODEV Widget Developer Challenge, a competition that allows developers around the globe to deliver the web without limits to mobile users.

This MOTODEV Widget Developer Challenge is designed to encourage all developers to get actively engaged in the future of mobile through the smallest and most personal unit of power to access the mobile web. Through widgets, mobile and web developers alike can create flexible and easy-to-develop web applications that bring targeted, real-time data to mobile users. Whether delivering sports scores, stock tickers, or flight information, widgets represent a more efficient way for mobile users to access the mobile web and an outlet for developers to be creative with a lightweight footprint.

Also announced today is the MOTO VE66, the first Motorola mobile device equipped with a widgets framework, built to support pre-loaded and downloadable1 widgets. This capability will allow consumers to access relevant information from the Internet quickly and easily in real time, eliminating the need to actively browse websites to find regularly accessed information.

“Aligned with the principles of our MOTODEV developer network, the MOTODEV Widget Developer Challenge is all about expanding the virtually endless possibilities for tapping into the mobile lifestyle,” said Claudia Backus, Senior Director, Ecosystem, Motorola. “We’re excited that we can engage a whole new community of developers through widgets, which represent the next big leap in mobile from a software and user experience perspective.”

Open to all registered MOTODEV developers (non-MOTODEV developers can register quickly and at no charge at developer.motorola.com), the MOTODEV Widget Developer Challenge is accepting submissions beginning today and continuing until February 27, 2009. Challenge entries will be accepted in three main categories, including Best Widget in Category, Best Local Content, and Best Use of APIs, and judged in their relevant subcategory. All widgets submitted will be considered for the grand prize and title of Best Overall Widget. A panel of expert judges representing Motorola and the mobile industry will evaluate entries based on uniqueness, effective use of the platform, harmony of design, indispensability, and applicability. Category winners will be announced in the spring of 2009, and promotion winners will also be announced monthly.

Each category grand prize winner and first and second runner-up will enjoy a cash prize, global recognition of their application through Motorola, and recognition at CTIA Wireless 2009. In addition, all winners will receive a briefcase full of Motorola’s hottest handsets and accessories, and a plaque commemorating their achievement.

Interested participants should sign up to become a MOTODEV member and download MOTODEV Studio for WebUI. To become a member and experience the MOTODEV network, please visit developer.motorola.com.

To learn more about submitting a widget for consideration including official competition rules, please visit: developer.motorola.com/motodevchallenge.

About MOTODEV
MOTODEV is Motorola’s global developer and ISV program. MOTODEV combines Motorola developer initiatives into one seamless web site resource, giving developers simple access to virtually all things Motorola (from mobile devices to digital set-tops). The program helps foster innovation in application development and delivery by connecting developers with the resources they need most — tools, SDKs, and clearly defined go-to-market initiatives. And, with information and resources for a variety of products at their fingertips, developers can easily tap into new business opportunities and apply their talent across the full range of Motorola platforms.

[Via Motorola Press Releases]

BlackBerry Storm Unboxed By One-Handed Brit

While Americans and Canadians will have to wait a little while longer to get their hands on the BlackBerry Storm from their respective carriers, one lucky British gentlemen got his Vodafone Storm unboxing on to share will all of the eager, curious and anxious future Storm owners:

The banter with his wife is quite funny and he charges on through the unboxing despite her shouting to start it over because he had messed up or something. Perhaps she could have… I don’t know… worked the Camcorder for  him?

The whole unboxing is a bit unsteady since one hand is in the camcorder and the other…. tries…. slowly… but surely… to unbox… the Storm. I kind of enjoyed the suspense of the one-handedness, like watching a movie when you cheer on the hero.

Okay, perhaps that’s going a bit far. But still… nice to see a Storm unboxing vid.

HTC MAX 4G Caught On Video

Well looky what we have here… the recently rumored Russian ruby, AKA the HTC MAX 4G, got pinned down and thoroughly examined by none other than a bunch of Russian guys. Assuming you don’t speak Russian, you won’t be able to understand a single thing these folks say. But you CAN get clear, beautiful looks at quiet possibly the fastest phone on the planet:

Without the proper audio translation the video isn’t really THAT impressive. Just our honest opinion. The UI seemed to be kind of bogged down and slow… here is one example that seemed apparent. In the screen shot below, look at how small the menu options are in comparison to homeboy’s fingers! Makes mispressing your selection pretty likely, don’t you think?

And then they make the ever-popular move of comparing the HTC Max 4G to the iPhone 3G… at least visually. Here is a snap shot of them next to eachother. You can scroll ahead in the video to about 3:45 minutes in to see for yourself.

We’re not going to speculate too much for obviouis reasons… its just nice to see an awesome phone in action. Hopefully HTC will troubleshoot the phone, fix it up, pay attention to all the minor details, make if flawless and then ship it on over for use on Sprint’s XOHM/WiMax network. Or…. Clearwire’s 4G network thanks to Google Android?

We can dream, can’t we?

Samsung Eternity Now On AT&T, $149.99

Samsung has been busy, busy, busy. While they just wrapped up their launch of the Samsung Saga and Samsung Renown on Verizon Wireless they also just launched the Samsung Eternity for AT&T. If we had to guess, the name probably comes from how many hours the engineers feel like they’re working after churning out all these top of the line handsets!

Not too bad looking, is it? A lot of folks are calling it a toned down Omnia or Behold or a ramped up version of the Vu. Either way, its a good looking touch screen phone with some subtle differences between the above mentioned that you’ll want to know about.

Good news or bad news first? Bad news? Okay… it doesn’t have WiFi which is a deal breaker for some people. Some might consider this next one a plus but it doesn’t have Windows Mobile but instead features a proprietary UI/OS that - at least on the surface - doesn’t look too shabby. But you know how those go.

Now for the good news. Here is how AT&T explain the “good news” themselves: “Tap into your potential, without paying a fortune. This sleek touch- screen phone is loaded with entertainment apps and the latest features. At your fingertips: Mobile TV, AT&T Navigator GPS, Video Share, 3G Web browsing, 3 MP camera, on-screen full-touch QWERTY keyboard, music, accelerometer, and more. Plus, customizable color lighting accents and a clever vibration response to touch - all at a price that’s within reach.”

And the above little paragraph doesn’t even mention that the Eternity is a quad-band world phone. Maybe the name should be called the “Universally” instead of the “Eternity”. And in related news, we’re now hiring writers who excel in humor and phone naming.

[Via AT&T]

BlackBerry Storm is FREE in the UK

As if Americans didn’t get shafted enough when it comes to getting Grade A phones (ahem Touch HD) even the ones we DO get can make for a bittersweet occassion. Whereas Verizon Wireless customers eagerly await the opportunity to pay $199.99 on a 2-year contract and after rebate for the beloved BlackBerry Storm, folks in the UK will get the phone for FREE and only have to commit to 18 months on Vodafone.

That’s a little something I like to call disappointing depressing completely shitty. Sure, they’re different markets and all but can someone explain the huge difference in this math? A $20, $30… even $50 or $75 difference we could understand but $200 difference in price?

Perhaps the folks at Verizon Wireless are just smart, knowing there are hoards of people lined up to shell out whatever cash is required to take the Storm home. As a LG Voyager owner who pre-ordered, I would have to pay full retail price on the Storm which amounts to… $TooMuch for me. I’d probably be willing to absorb a $300 loss at the most for the phone but… doesn’t look like that’s going to happen.

Who else is feeling my pain?

[Via Vodafone]

Samsung Saga Now At Verizon Wireless

While it won’t be available at retail locations until December 1st, the Samsung Saga is now available online at VerizonWireless.com for all those interested… and there will likely be a good number. In addition to the Full QWERTY, touchscreen and world connectivity capablities, the Samsung Saga doesn’t look half bad either:

Very blue, eh? Its also got an optical mouse, WiFi and 2MP camera on its Windows Mobile 6.1 OS. Here is the official information from Samsung themselves:

Samsung Saga™
The Saga is a smartphone that features a 2.55″ advanced touch screen and a full QWERTY keyboard that provides business professionals with an easy way to send e-mail, text and instant messages. This productivity powerhouse is equipped with Quad Band GSM/GPRS capability, an optical mouse, Wi-Fi access (802.11 b/g), Opera mobile browser and Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional to keep customers connected to their offices when they are at home and abroad. Windows Mobile includes the Microsoft Office Mobile Suite so that customers can create and edit Word and Excel documents and view PowerPoint documents, as well as Microsoft Active Sync® 4.5 and Windows Mobile Device Center for Vista OS, which makes using the Saga around the globe feel as if customers had never left their offices. Other features include a 2.0 megapixel camera with NightShot, microSD™ card slot for up to 16 GB of external memory (sold separately), and Bluetooth® stereo headset support.
Additional features of the Saga include:

• Built-in stereo Bluetooth® wireless technology – supports profiles: mono and stereo headset, hands free (car kits), serial port, object push (vCard only), file transfer, basic print, phonebook access and human interface device
• Microsoft’s Voice Command technology for speech recognition
• Customizable user interface
• Voice Memo
• Windows Media Player Mobile
• Organizer – alarm, calculator, calendar, notes, task list and today screen
• TTY-capable
• Dimensions: 2.44″ x 4.88″ x .53″
• Weight: 4.59 ounces
• Display: 320 x 320 pixel, 65K TFT, 2.55” active screen area and touch-sensitive LCD display

For $199 on a 2-year contract, we’re sure there will be plenty of hip, globe-trotting professionals who take their turn with the Saga.

We should also mention that Samsung also released the “Renown” which you’re much less likely to Remember… wanna see why? Here is the latter next to the former:

Told ya. A less than intriguing hunk of brown with awkward clock and average specs. But to be fair, we’ll hook you up with the info on the Samsung Renown as well… we realize that not everyone is a cell phone snob like us:

Samsung Renown™
The Renown showcases mobile technology in a fashionable flip form factor. The Renown comes with a number of features to help customers capture special moments on their trips abroad, including a 2.0 megapixel camera with NightShot to enhance the camera’s capabilities in dark environments; a camcorder; and video, picture, text and mobile IM messaging options. The Renown also supports Verizon Wireless’ V CAST Music with Rhapsody and V CAST Video services in the U.S. V CAST Music with Rhapsody lets customers transform their Renown into an MP3 player and allows customers to access more than 5 million songs and purchase full songs over-the-air. They can also download the master copy of songs to their PCs, free of digital rights management software; and sync favorite tracks, albums and playlists from their PCs to their phones using a USB cable. Before traveling internationally, customers can load up their Renown with their favorite songs and listen to their music on long flights. With V CAST Video, customers can download or stream video clips from the best names in news, sports and entertainment.
Additional features of the Renown include:

• Global Mode – including Quad Band GSM capability
• Multiple messaging options (text messaging only for use abroad)
• 2.0 megapixel camera with NightShot
• Media Center-capable – downloadable games, ringtones, wallpapers, location-based services and more
• Visual Voice Mail
• Built-in stereo Bluetooth wireless technology – supports profiles: mono and stereo headset, hands free (car kits), serial port, object push (vCard only), file transfer, basic print and phonebook access
• Organizer – alarm, calculator, calendar, notes, task list and today screen
• microSD expansion memory up to 8 GB (card purchased separately)
• TTY-capable
• Dimensions: 1.95” x 3.87” x .69”
• Weight: 4.05 ounces
• Display:
o Main LCD: 240 x 320 pixel, 262K color TFT
o Sub LCD: 96 x 96 pixel, 262K color TFT

[Via Samsung]

HTC Touch HD Reviews Pour In

Folks in the United States can only drool at the HTC Touch HD, one of the most beautiful and powerful devices on the planet but one that currently isn’t equipped with the technology compatible with American carriers. And it never will, either.

Tech enthusiasts worldwide have speculated, hoped and probably even prayed that HTC hooks the Touch HD up with Android and brings it to the shores of the Red, White and Blue. Early on HTC commented that the phone would never reach American shores because by the time they engineered it to work in the US the technology would be old news. However, the ridiculous amount of interest in a potential HTC Touch HDroid has to be forcing them to rethink this.

But the future is the future and now is now. And right now, we’ve got a bunch of reviews of the CURRENT Touch HD that found its way to the United Kingdom. The overwhelming conclusion is that the HTC Touch HD has amazing potential with a beautiful screen but is dragged down by Windows Mobile, a slow UI and not enough support for various video formats.

Sounds to us like a 2nd generation Touch HD equipped with Android would fit the bill rather perfectly.

Here are 3 early reviews:

Alright Google and Gang (OHA)… time to harass, heckle and stalk HTC until they submit to putting an Android on an improved Touch HD!

HTC MAX 4G: First WiMax Phone

Remember how XOHM, Sprint’s lightning fast WiMax branded 4G network, was launched in Baltimore only a month ago? Well in other countires - like Russia - the WiMax network has a little more reach and maturity. And so it is these lucky folks who will get the first ever WiMax phone… the HTC MAX 4G.

As if we’re not jealous enough that they get a 4G WiMax device, they have to go and get HTC to manufacture it. The company is on a tremendous roll, churning out sexy and high powered handsets month after month after month.

Like the Touch HD, HTC doesn’t think that manufacturing this phone is worth the effort in the United States for now. It looks like we’ll have to wait some time before somethign as beautiful and powerful as this reach our shores. And since XOHM/WiMax is the only domestic 4G network at the moment… it looks like we’ll be waiting for Sprint… which could take forever.

Check the specs Americans will be missing out on:

[Via MobileCrunch]

BlackBerry Storm Officialized at $199, Nov 21st

We know… we know… we just won’t shutup about the BlackBerry Storm. Can you blame us? Nope. In fact, you’re probably one of the 10 billion people egging us on because this phone simply promises to be that HOT. And now it seems officially official that on November 21st the Storm can be yours for a mere $199.99!

Various dates and prices have been thrown around but BGR has (alledgedly) confirmed that the November 21st date goes for ALL channels… web/tele/retail/etc… and that there will be MORE than enough product to go around. So, chances are you won’t face a “sorry we’re sold out” situation but don’t blame us if you take that chance.

Not to mention, its amazing what a little “we’ll have plenty in stock” changing to “they go so popular we sold more than we expected and they are gone!” can do for supply/demand. Alright guys, I’m considering leaving at lunchtime - today - and waiting in line.

[Via BGR]

Verizon Touch Pro: Nov 24th for $350

The HTC Touch Pro will be added to the Verizon Wireless lineup starting November 24th for the price of $350 but not without some confusion and disappointment. That price is AFTER a 2-year contract and $70 Mail In Rebate which makes it much more expensive than both Sprint and AT&T versions of the Touch Pro. And with less specs.

For some reason, the Verizon version of the HTC Touch Pro is somewhat crippled in comparison to the Sprint HTC Touch Pro and AT&T HTC Fuze. The RAM was dropped to 192MB, it doesn’t have an accelerometer and it also goes on sale later than on other carriers. It will be available on web and phone starting the 24th but in retail locations starting December 1st.

This development has everyone asking… “What Gives, Verizon?” And there are likely two answers to that:

Verizon getting the phone a little bit late could simply be because Sprint and AT&T worked out deals which rolled the phone out in a certain order of exclusivity. First Sprint would get it, then AT&T and finally Verizon. We don’t know that as fact but we’re guessing - it seems like a negotiatable perk to include this in manufacturer-carrier contracts and agreements.

How much is Sprint, AT&T and Verizon willing to pay HTC per device? Perhaps Sprint and AT&T saw more value in the phone than Verizon does and the price is reflecting that. Why make concessions to HTC with the Touch Pro when the Storm is their goto phone?

The BlackBerry Storm WILL be the more popular phone this holiday season and it will be found EXCLUSIVELY on Verizon Wireless in the United States. Can you even - for a second - blame Verizon Wireless for giving the ONE phone that is supposed to MAKE their holiday season a little bit of an advantage? The Touch Pro isn’t a competive advantage… Sprint and AT&T both have it. But the Storm sets them apart.

On the other hand, if Verizon went out of their way to make the HTC Touch Pro worse… and still cost more… that’s pretty pointless and completely counter-intuitive.

HOWEVER… don’t you remember that rumor, way back when the BlackBerry Storm was thought to be the BlackBerry Thunder, about how if Verizon didn’t sell enough units of the device it would open up the Storm to other carriers as well? Perhaps this could be coming into play here.

The sad part is, we’ll probably never know the true story behind all of this. On the bright side, the HTC Touch Pro and BlackBerry Storm are both coming to VZW in less than a month. And that, my friends, is reason to celebrate.

[Via Endgadget Mobile]

Nokia Flip QWERTY Wahoooooo!

People who have grown accustomed to Nokia’s totally unadventurous but comfortably familiar mobile phone designs should be prepared to be wowed… er… Wahoo-ed. The Nokia “Wahoo” is only an internal codename for a device that, by looking at the specs, appears to be headed to AT&T.

The most notable feature of the Wahoo (besides the name) is the BlackBerry Pearl Flip which was previously called the KickStart. Nokia should totally steal that name… it was a billion times better than the Pearl Flip. In fact, even the Wahoo name could grow on us although it will inevitably change. If Yahoo was the default search how fun and silly disappointing that would be.

Yay on the 2MP camera having a flash but BOO on the 2.5mm headphone jack. However, the interesting new form for a Nokia should lure plenty of people to pick up this puppy. Looks pretty neat to us and we’d love to get our hands on one.

Keep in mind this should be filed in the rumor folder for now!

[Via BGR]

Nokia E63 is Cheaper E71

Today’s announcement of the Nokia E63 in the United Kingdom will bring joy the the penny-pinching masses who want the Nokia E71 but who also value every coin in their pocket. When it comes down to it, the E63 is a compareable and affordable alternative the flagship E71.

The phone comes in Red and Blue - both of which look pretty kickin - and it comes with WiFi, 2MP Camera, GPS and will set you back 200 Euro. Its a shame that every phone isn’t available everywhere on all carriers, isn’t it?

Here are the full specs:

Size
Form: Monoblock with full keyboard
Dimensions: 113 x 59 x 13 mm
Weight: 126 g
Volume: 87 cc
Full keyboard
High quality QVGA display

Display and 3D
Size: 2.36″
Resolution: 320 x 240 pixels (QVGA)
Up to 16 million colors
TFT active matrix (QVGA)
Two customisable home screen modes

Security features
Device lock
Remote lock
Data encryption for both phone memory an microSD content
mobile VPN

Keys and input method
Full keyboard
Dedicated one-touch keys: Home, calendar, contacts, and email
Speaker dependent and speaker independent voice dialling
Intelligent input with auto-completion, auto-correction and learning capability
Accelerated scrolling with NaviTMKey

Colours and covers
Available in-box colours: Ultramarine Blue and Ruby Red

Connectors

Micro-USB connector, full-speed
3.5 mm standard AV connector

Power
BP-4L 1500 mAh Li-Po standard battery
Talk time (maximum): GSM up to 11 hours; WCDMA up to 4h 40 min
Standby time (maximum): GSM up to 18 days; WCDMA up to 20 days;WLAN idle up to 170 hours
Music playback time (maximum): 18 h

Memory
microSD memory card slot, hot swappable, max. 8 GB
110 MB internal dynamic memory

Data network

CSD
HSCSD
GPRS class A, multislot class 32, maximum speed 100/60 kbps (DL/UL)
EDGE class A, multislot class 32, maximum speed 296/177.6 kbps (DL/UL)
WCDMA 900/2100 or 850/1900 or 850/2100, maximum speed 384/384 kbps (DL/UL)
WLAN IEEE 802.11b/g
- WLAN Security: WEP, 802.1X, WPA, WPA2
TCP/IP support
IETF SIP and 3GPP

Local connectivity and synchronisation

Bluetooth version 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate
- Bluetooth profiles: DUN, OPP, FTP, HFP, GOEP, HSP, BIP, RSAP, GAVDP, AVRCP, A2DP
MTP (Multimedia Transfer Protocol) support
Bluetooth (Bluetooth Serial Port Profile. BT SPP)
File
Network (Raw). Direct TCP/IP socket
connection to any specified port (a.k.a HP
JetDirect™).
Network (LPR). Line Printer Daemon
protocol (RFC1179).
Support for local and remote SyncML synchronisation, iSync, Intellisync, ActiveSync

Call features

Integrated hands-free speakerphone
Automatic answer with headset or car kit
Any key answer
Call waiting, call hold, call divert
Call timer
Logging of dialed, received and missed calls
Automatic redial and fallback
Speed dialing
Speaker dependent and speaker independent voice dialing (SDND, SIND)
Fixed dialing number support
Vibrating alert (internal)
Contacts with images
Conference calling
Push to talk
VoIP

Messaging

SMS
Multiple SMS deletion
Text-to-speech message reader
MMS
Distribution lists for messaging
Instant messaging with Presence-enhanced contacts
Cell broadcast

E-mail

Supported protocols: IMAP4, Mail for Exchange, POP3, SMTP
Support for e-mail attachments
IMAP IDLE support
Support for Nokia Intellisync Wireless Email
Integrated Nokia Mobile VPN
Easy Email set-up

Web browsing

Supported markup languages: HTML, XHTML, MP, WML,CSS
Supported protocols: HTTP, WAP2.0
TCP/IP support
Nokia browser
- JavaScript version 1.3 and 1.5
- Mini Map
Nokia Mobile Search

GPS and navigation

Nokia Maps application

Photography
2.0 megapixel camera (1600 x 1200 pixels)
Image formats: JPEG/EXIF
CMOS sensor
digital zoom
Focal length: 4.5 mm
Focus range: 10 cm to infinity
LED flash
Flash modes: Automatic, Off, Forced
Flash operating range: 1 m
White balance modes: automatic, daylight, incasdencent, fluorescent
Capture modes: still, sequence, self-timer, video
Colour tone modes: normal, sepia, black & white, negative
Viewfinder
Active toolbar
Share photos with Share on Ovi

Video

Main camera
320 x 240 (QVGA) at 15 fps
176 x 144 at 15 fps (QCIF)
digital video zoom
Video recording file formats: .mp4, .3gp; codecs: H.263, MPEG-4 VSP
Audio recording formats: AMR
Video white balance modes: automatic, sunny, incandescent, fluorescent
Scene modes: automatic, night
Colour tone modes: normal, sepia, black & white, negative
Clip length (maximum): 1 h
RealPlayer
Video playback file formats: .Flash Lite 3, mp4, .3gp; codecs: H.263, MPEG-4 VSP
Video streaming: .3gp, mp4, .rm
Customisable video ring tones

Music and audio playback

Music player
Media player
Music playback file formats: .mp3, .wma, .aac, AAC+, eAAC+
Audio streaming formats: .rm, .eAAC+
FM radio 87.5-108 MHz with RDS support
Visual Radio support. Read more: www.visualradio.com
3.5 mm Standard AV connector
Nokia Music Manager
Nokia Music Store support
Nokia Podcasting support
Customisable ring tones
Synchronise music with Windows Media Player
Navi™ wheel support
Voice Aid

Voice and audio recording

Voice commands
Speaker dependent and speaker independent voice dialling (SDND, SIND)
Voice recorder
Audio recording formats: AMR-WB, AMR-NB
Speech codecs: FR, EFR, HRO/1, AMR-HR, and AMR-FR
Text-to-speech

Personalisation: profiles, themes, ring tones

Customisable profiles
Customisable ring tones
Customisable video ring tones
Support for talking ring tones
Customisable themes
Customisable home screen content in Business and Personal modes

[Via Nokia]

BlackBerry Storm On November 24th

Mark it down on your calender - the BlackBerry Storm will go on sale at Verizon Wireless stores on November 24th and stores will open an hour early. Unless you’re some type of small business guru that gets invited to the November 20th event or perhaps you get delayed to the November 25th event that provides the same thing.

Take a peek at the internal document yourself and make of it what you will:

Even those 24th and 25th dates indicate some type of RSVP for an event so we’re wondering if this is definitely going to be open to regular everyday consumers or what? If not, they should let this information out now so people have plenty of time to set up fake small business fronts just so they have an excuse to get an invite.

[Via BGR]

Samsung Saga Released To Mobile Purgatory

The Samsung Saga on Verizon Wireless will be launched this Friday. But instead of debut with any sort of fanfare, the Saga will sit there - not even on the shelves - but in mobile purgatory. You’ll be able to purchase it if you call Verizon Wireless but it won’t hit stores until December 1st.

This information was posted on Howard Forums by a self-proclaimed insider and it seems to be legit:

Certainly an odd way of releasing a phone, isn’t it? I mean, if it’s ready to roll, what harm is done in putting it on your shelves or even letting consumers know it exists in some way, shape or form?

The scoopers at BGR were able to get their hands on even more information, including a complete Samsung Saga data sheet that shows features, specs, contents, pricing and availability as well as pictures. Notice the red print that includes “WEB” in the November 14th availability date? What about that last line that says even though it will launch in retail stores on Dec 1st the “full” launch will take place at a later date?

Oh, Samsung Saga, how we feel for you… ready to serve loyally to the Big Red faithful and you get placed in a holding cell. What a pity.

iPhone Passes RAZR, Samsung Passes Motorola

Two mobile torches have been reluctantly passed in the last few days with the iPhone taking over the RAZR and Samsung taking over Motorola. The RAZR had been the top celling phone for 3 straight YEARS and this past quarter, a different phone, the iPhone finally took that top spot. Meanwhile, Samsung captured 22.4% of the US mobile phone market compared to Motorola’s 21.1%.

We all know how Apple and the iPhone became the most popular phone… but how the heck did the RAZR hold the top sales figure for 3 consecutive years every single quarter? And with such outrageous success, how is Motorola’s handset division even CLOSE to being in any kind of trouble?

Samsung was able to amass quite a large collection of phones in the past year of varying levels, features and offerings which helped them overtake Motorola. But did they overtake Motorola or did Moto stumble and fall? The ounce proud company has been slashing jobs and just announced they are refocuing their energy on WinMo, Android and their own proprietary OS for low-end devices.

Still, the whole situation seems like somewhat of an anomoly. How can a company that sold the most popular phone for 12 straight quarters seem to be at risk of closing down shop or selling out? The mobile market sure is changing and we hope that Motorola is able to ride the waves rather than get swept under them.

[Via Gizmodo, Fierce]

BlackBerry Storm Interactive Guide

We saw a BlackBerry Storm Users Guide pop up a few days ago, saw a new Storm Commercial yesterday and just today we learned about the pricing on Verizon Wireless… now we’ve got an interactive website with information including device setup, the basics, using your device and advanced services in animated fashion.

If you’re counting the minutes and seconds that pass before the Storm is released, you’ll want to give this promo site a test drive - hit the via link.

[Via BlackBerry]

BlackBerry Storm Only $219 + Rebates!

Verizon’s infamous Testman website is showing the BlackBerry Storm for sale, proving they are getting ready to go live with RIM’s first ever touchscreen. Get this: it’s only $219 with a 2-year contract and when you add a New Every 2 Discount and/or other rebates packaged with the Storm… my oh my this could be a real steal.

If you aren’t ready or able to slap down 2-years, you’ll find comfort in knowing that the 1-year agreement price is $289.99 and find less comfort knowing that the Month-to-Month contract price is $519.99. But everyone should be happy that this thing seems only hours/days away from going live.

To replicate the testman sales page:

We’ve never been so excited for a Storm to hit!

[Via HoFo]

BlackBerry Storm “Mad Genius” Commercial

Have the BlackBerry Storm commercials that abruptly end with a completely black screen after providing absolutely no information leave you infuriated? Us too. We’ve been waiting to hear how they’ll creatively position such a… physical asset… and in their new “Mad Genius” Commercial they do it quite well:

Not only do they mention it is the first ever touchscreen BlackBerry but they also illustrate the difference between touching and clicking which seems rather difficult. They don’t get into the details, just enough to bait you.

They then ask “What Kind Of Mad Genius is Behind This?” and the camera pops up to reveal the Verizon Guy waving with the “In-Network” standing behind them. It’s cute and delivers the right message. Although, you have to wonder how much of the genius should be attributed to Verizon and not Research In Motion?

Either way, we’re happy to see a new BlackBerry Storm Commercial.

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